My tires say 50psi, but I'm wondering for a 13' Scamp if I should go that high. What do you all recommend for tire pressure? My Scamp is very light--not much on it!
Sun, 04/05/2015 - 11:11
#1
Air Pressure in Tires
I would go with the tire pressure molded into the tire. Make sure you are looking at the PSI pressure and not the metric pressure.
Don
2015 Scamp 16'
Tow Vehicle...2013 Lincoln MKX 3.7L V-6
SW Ohio
The problem with reducing the tire pressure is that the sidewalls on your tires will flex too much. Too much flexing of the sidewalls will build up heat. Too much heat will destroy your tires. Heat build up is what causes tire blowouts.
Inflate your tires to the sidewall tire pressure (check when cold) and be SAFE !
There is nothing to be gained by reducing the tire pressure. Additionally, lower tire pressures reduce your gas mileage by increasing the rolling resistance of the tires.
Happy Scamping !!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
Thanks!!
We have owned our '74 13' Scamp 40 years. Orginally, it had a decal on each wheel well stating that the air pressue should not be above (as I recall) 25#. Since then, SCAMP has lifted that restriction. But I can't imagine airing 13" tires to 50#!
Just an FYI... the 12 inch tires on my 1380 pound pop-up run at 80 psi. (I had to buy a different guage since the one I had would not read that high!)
The size of the tire has nothing to do with the recommended tire pressure, Tires are designed to operate at the pressures indicated on the sidewall. Too much pressure, or too little pressure will cause tire problems such as unnecessary wear and tire blowouts.
Trailer tires are designed to carry heavy loads (based on "Load Range") it is actually the air inside the tire that carries the weight and not the tire itself. Too little pressure and you reduce the tire's ability to carry the load which can lead to a blowout.
I carry a Laser thermometer that I use to check my tire temperatures (both Tow Vehicle and Trailer) whenever I stop along the highway. I have found that my tires run about 20 degrees (F) above ambient ( a little more on the sunny side of the rig). If I ever spot a temperature higher than that, I know I have a problem coming my way real soon.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
I bought oa infrared non-contact thermometer specifically for checking whell bearing and tire temps. My understanding has always been that the pressure labeled on the sidewall was the maximum. I think this is an imporant thing to clarify and that Eveland should provide the clarification.
My Scamp has a sticker on the right side of the frame, under the loft, and among other things it says to inflate the tires to 45 psi cold. That is what I use and it gives a reasonably good feel when towing. The tires say 50 psi maximum. My thermometer is the palm of my hand, which is always there when I need it. While pumping gas I walk around and feel the tires and the hubs. They are always warm to touch, never "hot". "Hot" would be if I could not press my hand against the parts, and I would be very concerned about the air pressure or the bearings failing. I also stick my fingers through the wheel to feel the brake drums, to know they are working, but not too hard. On downhills I always use a lower gear and use the brakes to supplement the engine braking.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
Just personally, I've Always inflated my trailer tires to the max stated on the sidewall. On the Scamp I usually put them just under @48 psi. Here is a very good explanation from eTrailer
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-trailer-tire-frequently-asked-questions.aspx
Under inflating trailer tires can lead to tire failure and unnecessary wear. The Scamp always tows better when the tires are inflated to max and gas mileage improves some as well.
Note that trailer tires are built differently than car tires and max inflation is not recommended for car tires like it is for trailer tires.
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I stand corrected (by Man with a Van): "The size of the tire has nothing to do with the recommended tire pressure"! As I reflected on this statement, I remembered pumping very small bicycle tires to a recommended pressure of 60#.
And I did not know (as Greg A has stated): "Trailer tires are built differently than car tires and max inflation is not recommended for car tires like it is for trailer tires." Well, I did know this about car tires. But I did not know that trailer tries are built differently and should be aired to max pressure.
Thanks for this info!!
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